Union City Mayor Brian Stack and the Union City Police Department issued a press release this week warning residents of several scams that have come to light in recent weeks. The four scams include lottery, investment, kidnapping, and bail cons.

The first scam involves individuals posing as lottery winners approaching passersby and claiming they have a winning lottery ticket, and then requesting help cashing in on the ticket in return for some of the prize money.

The second involves letters or faxes being sent from an individual claiming he represents foreign businesses who wish to anonymously invest in the United States. The letters allegedly ask for one’s private bank account information.

The kidnapping scam, the most disturbing of the four, involves an individual demanding ransom for a family member. The ransom demand is usually made over the phone, when the caller says that after getting into a car accident with said family member, they kidnapped that family member in return for money to repair his or her car. The caller usually asks for a money order.

Lastly, individuals have been calling residents claiming to be a bail bondsman trying to help a friend or family member who has been arrested. Again, the caller will usually request a money order.

“As always, along with the Police Department, I am here for your public safety,” said Stack. “If you should ever need assistance with any of these issues, please call.”

The police department’s phone number is (201) 865-1111, and the mayor can be reached at (201) 376-1942.

Hudson County Chamber of Commerce to welcome first female chair at annual meeting

The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Hudson County’s growth and development over the past few years next week at its Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 7. In addition to kicking off the year-long celebration of the Chamber’s 125th anniversary, the meeting will also be marked by the inauguration of Daryl Harrison-Rand as the group’s newest chair. Rand, the Chamber’s first female chair ever, is the president of HarrisonRand Advertising.

“As a third-generation advertising agency in Hudson County since 1941 and a woman born into a family that has been in the area since the 1890s, it is truly an honor to be elected,” said Harrison-Rand. “I am thrilled to see so much growth, optimism and camaraderie here. It is our time and the Chamber is dedicated to making it happen.”

The meeting, which will be held at Puccini’s Restaurant in Jersey City, will be attended by more than 150 local entrepreneurs. Members of the Chamber will elect its Board of Directors during the proceedings.

In addition to featuring exhibits by more than a dozen local businesses, Robert Cotter, Planning Director of Jersey City, will be the event’s key-note speaker as he discusses the rise of “Wall St. West.” The exhibit will showcase the rise of Jersey City’s development over the past few years.

“Jersey City has been the fastest growing city in New Jersey and we will highlight the economic engine it has truly become,” said Maria Nieves, the Chamber’s President and CEO.

To reserve a spot at the Annual Business Meeting, please call (201) 386-0699 ext. 27 or visit the chamber’s website at www.hudsonchamber.org.

Union City Chamber Players to hold Valentine’s Day concert Feb. 10

The Union City Chamber Players recently announced that their next concert, celebrating the many varieties of love (spiritual, earthly, requited and not), will take place on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1506 Palisade Ave. in Union City.